9 Complementary Therapies Introduced and Explained ...

We all want to take care of ourselves, but sometimes it’s difficult to get motivated.

At other times we may have medical problems that conventional medicine is doing little for, and complementary therapies can often help to alleviate symptoms.

But, how do you know which alternative medicine may help?

Here is an introduction to 9 common complementary therapies to consider.

1. Homeopathy

This is one of the complementary therapies that everyone has heard of, but it is perhaps also the most commonly misunderstood.

Homeopathy is designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by diluting medicines to a tiny amount.

This is different to traditional medicine, which tries to suppress symptoms.

2. Acupuncture

Most people know that acupuncture involves inserting needles into the body, although this shouldn’t put you off, as they are very fine.

The aim of acupuncture is to work with the body’s qi (the motivating energy), which has pathways in our body.

The needles are put into these channels to restore the balance of qi in our bodies.

3. Reflexology

One the most relaxing of the complementary therapies, reflexology works by applying pressure to specific areas on the feet that relate to different parts of the body, with the left foot corresponding to the right side of the body and vice versa.2

4. Hypnotherapy

In hypnotherapy, the aim is for the patient to achieve a state of total relaxation so that they can be more open to making positive changes in their lives.

The therapist guides the patient into a deeper state of consciousness to allow access to the subconscious mind to discover the root of a person’s problems.

It can help with a range of emotional and psychological issues, from anxiety and phobias to quitting smoking.

5. Chiropractic

A chiropractor is a therapist that diagnoses and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which can affect the nervous system and the health of the rest of the body.

In this alternative medicine the hands are used for spinal manipulation to treat joints and muscles.3

Chiropractic therapy can treat various types of pain, sports injuries and posture issues.